Legislative Update – March 7, 2025Dear Neighbors, Since the House began meeting, I’ve been ready to get to work on legislation that helps working families, and while there has been some good bipartisan work, it seems Republicans are largely focused on bringing hyper-partisan bills forward that have no chance of passing. On the Tax Committee, which I’m serving on this session, there is so much we can do to alleviate the pressure that working families are under. I’m disappointed with the bills we’ve seen so far, including one that would drastically cut funding for roads and bridges in our district and cut senior nutrition programs people rely on. You can watch my comments in committee here.  I will continue to speak out against bills that harm our district in committee, and when I find good bills that help our neighbors thrive—I’ll be right there supporting them! Trump Cuts put Minnesota’s Budget at RiskThis week a new state economic forecast confirmed that Donald Trump’s policies are already moving Minnesota’s economy and state budget in the wrong direction and making life more expensive for hardworking Minnesotans. Last November, the state budget forecast showed a $3.7 billion surplus over the current budget cycle, a $616 million positive balance in the upcoming biennium, and our highest budget reserve fund ever–all due to responsible DFL governance. But as of today, Minnesota’s projected positive balance has shrunk to $456 million.  Instead of bringing down prices as they promised on the campaign trail, Trump and Republicans in Congress are on the verge of enacting a sweeping tax cut for corporations and the ultra-wealthy, and they’re going to pay for it by slashing federal investments in health care for children, families, seniors, and people with disabilities. This will have dire consequences for the people of Minnesota and our state budget. This latest budget forecast means that the Legislature must be laser-focused on a state budget that helps working and middle-class Minnesotans, not corporations and billionaires who are doing better than ever. As your representative, I’m committed to fighting for an economy where everyone can get ahead. I will continue to oppose Republican bills to lower taxes for the rich, put barriers to healthcare access, and repeal policies that help Minnesotans thrive like Paid Family and Medical Leave. Pushing Back on Extreme BillsIn these past few weeks, Republicans could have brought any number of bills forward that would help increase healthcare access, support public education, or lower the cost of healthcare, groceries, and housing. Instead, GOP leaders have publicly stated their strategy is not to pass legislation, but instead to take votes on “messaging” bills that speak to their activist base. They’ve brought forward a bill that would weaken our state’s ability to respond to emergencies like natural disasters and pandemics, a bill that would force school-age girls to undergo medical testing just to participate in youth sports, and a bill to cancel transportation projects in districts they don’t even represent.  Yesterday I helped to vote down HF 13, Republicans’ Shoot First bill which would remove Minnesota’s long-standing duty to retreat to prevent the escalation of violence. If passed, this bill would have made Minnesota less safe. Currently, 27 states have Shoot First laws, and every one of them has a higher rate of gun deaths than Minnesota, with the average rate of gun deaths being more than twice Minnesota’s. Watch the DFL’s press conference calling out this dangerous “Shoot First” legislation here. DFLers are united in defeating these bills on the House Floor, and we’re succeeding. Not only are these bills a waste of time, but they also send a harmful message to Minnesotans who already fear the impact that Trump’s unconstitutional agenda will have on our state. |